My Weekend @ VFMA's "Jumpin' Bluegrass '09" & My upcoming Trip to IBMA in Nashville

Hello friends.  This will be a short entry, so don't be concerned.  I arrived home a few hours ago from a truly great weekend of Bluegrass at the VFMA's "Jumpin' Bluegrass '09."  I did not attend the contest today and do not have the winners for you, but if you will click here in a day or so I'm sure the VFMA will have all of the winners posted on their web site.  I arrived on Thursday and delivered the large cooker full of BBQ so graciously provided by your donations at the monthly meetings of the Virginia Bluegrass Family.  It was enjoyed by nearly 200 people.  For those of you who have chosen not to attend this event I wanted to tell you that even though we had a lengthy light shower on Thursday, we hardly noticed since we were snugly inside the large building with great sound provided by Kevin Prater, recently the Mandolin player and tenor singer for the The James King Band.  Upon seeing Kevin (Waldo to his friends!) I commented about his change of professions.  He told me he only does sound about 5 times a year and that the next day after leaving James King he hired on with Melvin Goins & Windy Mountain.  Kevin did a great job with the sound  To know who performed at this weekend's show click here to read my previous post with all of that information.  Friday's feature was the induction of Sammy Shelor in the Virginia Folk Music Hall of Fame (I would like to note here that I am a bit confused as during the ceremony this induction was often mentioned as being into the "Virginia Music Hall of Fame."  Was this an error of omission or have I had it wrong all these years?)  A recording was played with many of the greatest Banjo players in the business congratulating Sammy.  Some of the speakers were, Earl Scruggs, J. D. Crowe, Kristen Scott Benson, Steve Martin, Eddie Adcock and several others.  While this induction was really fine the highlight of the evening was the two sets by the Lonesome River Band.  Wow! They are truly in top form and are playing some of the best Bluegrass around today.

Nest, I wanted to tell you I am driving out to Nashville, Tennessee this week in advance of my week at the IBMA "World of Bluegrass" events the week of September 28th.  I will, most likely, write a lengthy post upon my return.  Most of you are aware the Virginia Bluegrass Family has presented three nights of "after-hours" Night Owl Concerts in the Nashville Convention Center as part of the weeks entertainment.  This year I decided to suspend the Night Owl Concerts due to a rather large price increase of the rent for the concert space.  When we began in Nashville just a few years ago the cost for the space was $300 for 3 days.  Just 3 years late the cost rose by 50% to $450.  Now, just a few years later there was another 50% increase to $675.  I felt I simply could not ask the membership of the Virginia Bluegrass Family to bear those costs.  If any of the readers of this blog can share with me a way to accomplish the Night Owl Concerts next year, please let me know.  We were a small fish in a large sea, but we served a great service by giving new bands a chance to be heard in a National event.  These bands really have no other venue to be heard than by the "smaller" organizations and their efforts to present them to the attendees (Which include record execs and festival promoters and booking agents) of the IBMA "World of Bluegrass."  Until I return I guess it could be this is....

"NUFF SAID!"

The Grottoes Family Bluegrass Festival - Sept 10th, 11th, & 12th, 2009 - Grand Caverns Regional Park, Grottoes, VA

Sweet Brenda and Calvin Lawson as "Lawson Entertainment" present the fall edition of the "Grottoes Family Bluegrass Festival" at Grand Caverns Regional Park on September 10th, 11th & 12th, 2009.  As the name of the festival intimates this is a family friendly festival with all the things you would expect of such an event. 

Thursday is a special time with the Bluegrass Brothers as the only scheduled band performing.  The evening is dedicated more to the Pot Luck Dinner at 6PM.  Bring your favorite dish and pitch in with all of your friends for an evening fine food and fellowship along with music by the Bluegrass Brothers.

 

Friday gets started with the band Lonesome Highway.  Many of you will remember a young musician, Buddy Dunlap, from his association with other bands in his youth.  Click on the above link to learn more about Lonesome Highway.  Friday's a big day at Grottoes as The James King Band appears and as hot and important as James is, he isn't the only big name there that day.  Fredericksburg, Virginia's favorite son, Larry Stephenson, along with his band The Larry Stephenson Band are up next after James.  Larry was a big fan of The Osborne Brothers in his youth and that love of their music can still be heard in Larry's music today.  One of the very best traditional tenor singers, Audie Blaylock, appears on Friday with his band Audie Blaylock & Redline.  If those great bands weren't enough the day wraps up with Sammy Shelor & The Lonesome River Band.  Sammy is to be inducted into the VFMA Hall of Fame just one week from this date. 

Saturday promises big time too as things get started with a great band, Remington Ryde.  As a Banjo enthusiast I am especially excited about Remington Ryde because the Banjo player is Billy Lee Cox, one of the finest Banjo players around today.  Next up is Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road.  Lorraine not only keeps this fine band touring the eastern US, but she also is the is instrumental in forming the IBMA award winning Daughters of Bluegrass.  Catch a performance of the "Daughters" by clicking here.  Mark Templeton & Pocket Change appear next at Grottoes. Mark brings his love of Southern Gospel into each of his performances.  Up next is the Wildwood Valley Boys.  Wrapping up the day and the weekend at the "Grottoes Family Bluegrass Festival" are Dailey & Vincent, singing some of the best harmony you're likely to hear anywhere.

So there you have it, another great Bluegrass event presented by Lawson Entertainment. 

"Jumpin' Bluegrass '09" VFMA Bluegrass Festival - September 17th, 18th, 19th & 20th, 2009 - Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, Chesterfield, VA

FIVE DOLLARS A DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's right, the Virginia Folk Music Association presents it's annual Bluegrass Festival, "Jumpin' Bluegrass 09" on September 17ht, 18th and 19th, 2009; followed by the VFMA Virginia State Bluegrass Championship on Sunday the 20th of September.  And it all costs only $5 per day!!!

On Thursday this $5 not only includes the great music of the bands Sleepy Hollow, East of Afton, TJ Honaker "Old Time: Folk Music Players, Tennessee Crabgrass, Donnie & Lisa and Homeward Bound; it also includes the free "Cornbread & Beans Pot Luck Supper."  Well, the supper isn't exactly free.  You're supposed to bring something to add to the supper; that's what makes it "pot luck."  As I've always said, bring something you really like, that way you know there'll be one thing there you like!

SPECIAL NOTE: Due, once again, to the generous contributions of the members of "The Virginia Bluegrass Family" there will be 60 pounds of minced pork BBQ and rolls as part of the supper. We meet on First Tuesdays at the Jahnke Road Baptist Church near Chippenham Hospital.  Join us!

Friday is a special day at "Jumpin' Bluegrass 09".  There will be music by some fine bands including The Church Sisters.  I encourage you to please set aside some time in your day on Friday to listen to The Church Sisters.  These young ladies are amazingly talented vocally.  Of there ever were twins that were less identical than Sarah & Savannah Church I don't think I've seen them.  PLEASE go hear them!  A band I like to claim as members of "The Virginia Bluegrass Family" is Copper Ridge and they'll be playing on Friday..  I believe these guys may have met at our club.  A band listed on the official flyer for "Jumpin' Bluegrass '09" is called GCH-Wings of Love will be there on Friday.  I know nothing about this group.  Code Blue will be there on Friday offering up some of that east Virginia styled Bluegrass.  Before I get to the last band to play on Friday I need to tell you about the special ceremonies that will happen.  First, a "Special Recognition Award" will be presented to Ray Pollard, the founder of "The Gospel Chicken House."  If you've ever played and sung Country or Bluegrass Gospel then you've probably played The Gospel Chicken House, and you'll know that it really was a chicken house long before being converted to Central Virginia's choice venue for Gospel Music.  Congratulations Ray!  The big event on Friday will be the induction into the VFMA Hall of Fame of Sammy Shelor, Banjo player extraordinaire. Sammy is known to us as a founding member of the Virginia Squires (For a sample of the Virginia Squires music click here.) and later as "the" Banjo player for The Lonesome River Band and now as the leader of that same fine group.  So, now I guess I can tell you that the last group to play on Friday will be the Lonesome River Band.

Saturday promises to be a big day at "Jumpin' Bluegrass 09" as there are many bands there including Easy Street.  Here is a blurb from Easy Street's web site: "In August 2008, a few seasoned bluegrass musicians from Virginia's Tidewater region got together for a little pickin'.  The sound at that first session was so exciting that a new band was soon born - Easy Street. "  Thunder Creek will be there on Saturday, too.  Here's a note taken from their web site: "If you like bluegrass and bluegrass gospel or the combination of the two, then Thunder Creek is just what you are
looking for!   They are as high energy as a live wire.  If it is soulful  gospel your spirit needs, their passion and harmonies will surely touch your hearts."  A special treat will be the appearance of Michelle Nixon & Drive.  We don't get a chance to hear Michelle and the band around Central Virginia as she travels greater and greater distances singing and playing all around the country.  A favorite band of mine, Borrowed Time, will be there on Saturday.  These guys are all local folks who have banded together to play the music they love.  Gary Davis, the leader of the group, has an unending list of songs in his repertoire, many of which come from other genres of music, which he and the band perform with a Bluegrass style.  Last up on Saturday will be The James King Band.  James has one of the best traditional Bluegrass lead voices in the business.  To prove it, just click here to hear him sing "Echo Mountain."

I read in "Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine" just a few days ago the Kevin Prater had left The James King Band, to pursue other endeavors.  I wondered what that may have been and "low and behold" I see Kevin is doing the sound at "Jumpin' Bluegrass 09."

Don't forget the official "Virginia State Bluegrass Championship Contest" will be on Sunday September 20th, 2009.  Be sure to come out and support your favorite band;  they play so much better when there are fans to hear them.  The top band can win $1000!  Another important thing to consider is that this year will the 52nd year with WFLO Radio's Henry Fulcher as Emcee.  Also, last year's winner, Grit City Grass, will perform.

Nothin' Fancy Bluegrass Festival - Sept. 24th, 25th & 26th, 2009 - Glen Maury Park, Buena Vista, VA

September is a busy month for Bluegrass in Virginia and wrapping up the month is the "Nothin' Fancy Bluegrass Festival" held September 24th, 25th & 26th, 2009 at the beautiful Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista, Virginia.  Just a quick note here.  I know most of you opt for the most direct and easiest route to Bluegrass festivals; usually I do too.  But, if you've got the time and would want to see a different part of Virginia try driving straight out Midlothian Pike on Route 60.  It goes straight (Well, not straight!) to Buena Vista and is a nice and different way to get there.  I've got a lot to get to, so I better get started.

The festival gets started on Thursday with a band called Wonder. I tried searching for wonder on the Internet and all I found was Wonder Woman (Worth a short stop!) and Stevie Wonder.  So I must tell you I know nothing about Wonder, but perhaps you should check them out and tell me all about them so I can stop "wondering."  Next up is the entertaining Goldwing Express.  These guys are very capable Bluegrass musicians who choose to entertain as well as perform great Bluegrass music.  Williams & Clark Expedition continues to entertain as they take the stage.  Next up are the hosts of the festival Nothin' Fancy.  They play every day of the festival, so I will only make this one long entry about them.  They have won the SPBGMA Entertaining Band of the Year in both 2008 and 2009!  Playing mostly original material, all done with the Nothin' Fancy touch it is easy to see why they are so popular.  Wrapping up the day on Thursday is the band Steep Canyon Rangers.  This is a fine group and they will work very hard to make you their fans and if you give them just half a chance you will be a fan.  Great Bluegrass!

The schedule for Friday shows In The Tradition will get things started.  Those of you who read this blog regularly will know that the leader of this group, Donnie Mason had gastric bypass surgery a few months ago.  I understand he has been making some shows, so I hope he will be well enough to make it to Buena Vista.  Lonesome Will Mullins is up next and combines modern Bluegrass and old time Stanley styled music to make his performances exciting and entertaining.  Williams & Clark Expedition is back again on Friday.  Following this fine group is The James King Band.  James and his band perform some of the finest traditional Bluegrass you will hear anywhere.  If you love great harmony singing and fine instrumental back up then you are already a fan of Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out.  They will close out the show on Friday.

Kicking things off on Saturday in Next Best Thing .  This band is comprised of daughters of Rhonda Vincent and a few other talented musicians.  It's great to know these young women will continue the Vincent tradition as the 5th generation on Vincents in the business.  Country Fried Grass is up next at Nothin' Fancy.  If these fellows have the same following of fans at Buena Vista as they have at other festivals you won't have any difficulty finding their campsite in the wee early hours of the morning.  Country Fried Grass will be rocking out with Bluegrass and a little of some other stuff too!  Next up is David Parmley & Friends.  David is best know for his days in the great Bluegrass band The Bluegrass Cardinals and in his own band David Parmley & Continental Divide. No doubt, this group will be as fine as his others.  The Gary Waldrep Band is up next.  From their web site: "The band performs with a traditional sound spiced with original songs and old standards, making them a favorite with acoustic music lovers across the country."   Wrapping up Saturday and the festival in the great Rhonda Vincent & The Rage.  There is little I can say about Rhonda that hasn't been said than to comment that I believe Rhonda is one of the few female performers that truly sing Bluegrass as it should be sung.

Be sure to include the "Nothin' Fancy Bluegrass Festival" on your schedule of Bluegrass events to attend.

Jody Rainwater to be awarded Distinguished Achievement Award @ IBMA

Hi folks.  I just received an email from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) announcing that, among others, our own Jody Rainwater will be awarded a certificate for "Special Achievement" at this year's afternoon awards program in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jody is best known for his years spent with Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs & The Foggy Mountain Boys.  A lot has been made of the, so called, first Bluegrass band comprised of, Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs, Chubby Wise and Cedric Rainwater, but it is my firm belief that Jody Rainwater, during his years with Flatt & Scruggs, created and defined the true art of Bluegrass Bass playing.  Just listen to those old Flatt & Scruggs records and you'll hear Jody smoothly moving between 2-4 time and 4-4 time in the same song, either to accentuate a vocal or a special instrumental break.  Yes, Jody Rainwater truly is a living legend in Bluegrass and will be long remembered for his humor and creative Bass playing.

Join me in congratulating Jody Rainwater in this wonderful recognition by the trade organization of our music, the IBMA.

Thanks,   GARY

Mr. B's Bluegrass Festival - August 27th, 28th & 29th, 2009

Don't forget Mr. B's Bluegrass festival coming up this weekend, actually begins today!  Click here for details from my previous blog posting.

Thanks,    Gary

Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival August 13th, 14th & 15th, 2009 - 30th Year Celebration!

Can I actually have attended 59 festivals at the Amelia Family Campground and am I gonna attend my 60th festival there in less than two short weeks?  Gosh!  It's really hard to believe, but it's true.  Way back in May of 1980 the festival got started  featuring bands like: East Virginia, James Bailey & The Autumn Harvest, Appalachian Express, B. G. Express, Friendly Henry & The Roots of Bluegrass, Hand Picked Grass and Canadian Bluegrass.  Sadly, time has continued its march forward and many of these performers are no longer with us.  That said, Bluegrass has continued to progress and is more popular today than ever.  Much of this popularity in the central Virginia area is due to John & Ferne Hutchinson's love of the music and their support of the musicians who make it.  A weekend ticket back in 1980 cost a whopping $13.00.  That's right $13.00 for an entire weekend of Bluegrass music. 

Back in 1980 Larry Sparks released his great album "John Deere Tractor."  The great Lester Flatt had passed just the summer before this first festival at the Amelia Family Campground. The late Claude Warden (His son Claude Jr., better known to all as Junior Warden plays Bass and sings all the parts with the band Borrowed Time) was still presenting his Bluegrass festival over at Tom Scott Recreational Park in Amelia.  Bands featured at Claude's April festival included; Lost & Found, Mail Pouch, McPeak Brothers, Friendly Henry & The Roots of Bluegrass, C. W. & The Bluegrass Sound, Bluegrass Ramblers and Stars & Bars.  Bluegrass in Virginia was alive and well in Amelia, Virginia.  Now, 30 years later it still is at the "Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival."

Back in 1980 The Heights of Grass were one of the hottest bands on the east coast (Members of the band at the time of this recording were; Don Grubb, Richard Ward, Mark Newton, Sonny Mead, Ron Rush, Vernon Hughes & Billy Lux) and their brand new album, "Louisiana Saturday Night" debuted.  "Bluegrass Unlimited" gave it a less than excited review (Tough reviews were very common back in those days.), but that didn't deter the many fans of The Heights of Grass.  Oh yeah, back in 1980 there were no such things as CDs.  The state of the art was the vinyl Long Playing Record called LP's.  They were 12" in diameter and were played on stereophonic phonographs.  Cars had 8-Track players and cassette players which were beginning to take over from the 8-Track.  I'm beginning to feel old, so I'm gonna stop talking about 30 years ago and start telling you about the upcoming "Amelia Festival" (That's what we like to call it!).

John & Ferne are always traveling around the country and they hear new bands and when they like a band and think we'll like them to too, then they book them at Amelia.  The first band up in Amelia is Easy Street.  Easy Street is from the tidewater area of Virginia and from the music on their web site they are quite good.  Next up on Thursday is Some Assembly Required.  Formed by Leo Szydlowski and Lynn Stephens, Some Assembly Required has been performing their eclectic style of Bluegrass and Folk music around central Virginia since early 2007.  They have a new CD out this past spring.  See my review by clicking here.  Next up is another band that is new to me.  It is called Allegheny Blue.  Next up is one of Virginia's most beloved bands, Lost & Found.  It was feared after the tragic loss of their founding Mandolin player, Dempsey Young, they might not continue.  We are grateful the band was able to surpass great tragedy and continue.  For more on the history of Lost & Found click here.  The next band up is another from Virginia's tidewater area.  They are Solid Rock, a primarily Bluegrass Gospel band.  Solid Rock has been entertaining at the Amelia festival for the last few years.  Now, if your were ever a fan of the music of Jimmy Martin or followed the music of Rhonda Vincent & The Rage throughout the years, then you know all about Audie Blaylock.  Audie Blaylock & Redline is a high energy Bluegrass band in the finest tradition of the music.  You haven't seen or heard anyone play rhythm guitar until you experienced Audie Blaylock.

I did a Google search on "Dark Holler" (As listed on the Amelia flyer) to make sure I was right about the first band to play on Friday at Amelia.  The correct name for the band is Dark Hollow and what a band they are.  In their manner of dress and stage presence they epitomize the great traditional bands of the early years of Bluegrass.  Dark Hollow keeps alive the older music and believe me you ain't heard nothin' until you hear them do the old Stanley Brothers attempt a Rock 'N Roll with their version of "Finger Poppin' Time!"  Next up on Friday is a band from the Raleigh, NC area called Constant Change.  They have been performing at the Amelia festival for many years now.  Why?  Simply because they are good! Hailing from Reedsville, PA,  Remington Ryde is up next.  Now, I suppose you all know by now that I'm particularly interested in the Banjo.  That being said, one of the finest Banjo players I have ever had the privilege of meeting and listening to, Billy Lee Cox, is a member of this group.  So if you're a Banjo nut like me, you've got to hear Remington Ryde.  Next up is the group, Hager's Mountain Boys from Roxboro, NC.  These fellows play true Bluegrass with strong instrumentation and even stronger mountain harmonies.  Be sure to catch their show.  If you are as old as I am  (somewhat over 30!) you will have most likely cut your Bluegrass teeth on the music of The Stanley Brothers.  Well, the next performer is was too young to have heard the Stanley's live ,but he sure has listened to their recordings.  Kody Norris & The Watuga Mountain Boys play Bluegrass the way the Stanley's did it.  Why, Kody is Ralph & Carter all wrapped into one package.  He is an amazing Bluegrass artist and deserves your close attention.  Wrapping up the day on Friday is the half-breed entertainment of The Goldwing Express.  Now, before you get all huffy and upset with me for using the term half-breed, you will only have to see one very entertaining show by Goldwing Express to know why I use the term. 

Since the "Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival" ceased having Sunday shows many years ago they have always had a Bluegrass Gospel show on Saturday mornings.  Mark Templeton & Pocket Change get things started followed by the Bluegrass Brothers with both bands doing only Gospel material.  Thirteen year old Fiddle phenomenon Samantha Casey is up next.   Joined by her father and few friends Samantha really shows us her talents.  Up next is another great band from the tidewater area, Poquoson to be exact, Code Blue.  While looking at their web site I was pleased to find a baby photo of the leader of Code Blue, Bud Finch.   I've included it here: 

Jonathan Dillon is up next.  Starting as a hotshot kid Banjo player, Jonathan has grown into a fine multi-instrumentalist  and singer and will carry Bluegrass far into the 21st century.  Mark Templeton & Pocket Change and The Bluegrass Brothers will each do two regular sets of Bluegrass on Saturday in addition the their morning Gospel sets.  The closing act on Saturday is Dr. Ralph Stanley.  What can I say that hasn't been said about this icon of Bluegrass and folk music.  Be aware there will be only this one performance by Ralph at 9PM, so if you're a fan of Dr. Ralph don't miss it.

This article has ran way too long ,but I would be remiss if I didn't mention there will be food concessions and other things of interest to Bluegrass fans and their families.  Join me at the 60th "Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival." (Whew!).